Enclosed power outlet

ABSTRACT

Power outlets adapted for installation within an enclosure are provided. Power outlets are provided having a safety interlock adapted to prevent the creation of a hazardous condition within the enclosure as a result of the continued operation of an electrical device within the enclosed space. The safety interlock may include current limiting circuitry and hardware, hazard sensing devices interconnected with such current limiting circuitry and hardware or other circuit breaker switches, and combinations of such safety interlocks. The power outlets may also be adapted for installation within a movable enclosure, such as, for example, a drawer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/892,922, filed Oct. 18, 2013, the disclosure of whichis fully incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The current invention is directed generally to enclosed power outlets;and more particularly to electrical power outlets that can be positionedwithin a structure, and that can in certain cases additionally allow formovement of the power outlet relative to the source of power.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical power outlets, and in particular alternating current (AC)power sockets are devices that allow electrically operated equipment tobe connected to the primary alternating current power source in abuilding. Electrical outlets can differ in voltage and current rating,as well as in the shape, size and type of connector they are adapted foruse with. The types used in each country are set by national standards,some of which are listed in the IEC technical report TR 60083, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Plugs andsocket-outlets for domestic and similar general use standardized inmember countries of IEC.

Regardless, of the specific design and technical specification, a poweroutlet is typically formed of one or more sockets, which are fixed on apiece of equipment or a building structure and connected to an energizedelectrical circuit, and are adapted to cooperate with a movableconnector attached to an electrically operated device. The sockets aredesigned to prevent exposure of bare energized contacts. To reduce therisk of failure or user misuse, power outlet systems often incorporateboth physical safety features, such as, for example, recessed slots orholes, insulated sleeves, blocking shutters, orientation control; aswell as electrical safety features, such as, for example, a protectiveearth connection to isolate a faulty appliance from the source.

Despite the advanced development of power outlets, a need still existsfor electrical power outlets adapted specifically for installationwithin an enclosed structure, such as a cabinet or piece of furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention is directed generally to code compliant poweroutlet assemblies that can be placed within an enclosed structure.

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a power outletassembly for an enclosure including:

-   -   at least one power outlet;    -   at least one power source electrically interconnected to said at        least one power outlet for providing a source of electrical        energy to said power outlet; and    -   at least one safety interlock having at least one sensor capable        of detecting at least one hazardous condition within the        environment of said enclosure, the at least one safety interlock        being adapted to prevent the flow of electrical current between        the at least one power source and the at least one power outlet        upon detection of one or more of the at least one hazardous        conditions.

In some other embodiments the at least one safety interlock is selectedfrom the group consisting of a smoke detector, heat detector, and toxicgas monitor. In some such embodiments, the heat detector comprises amechanical thermostat.

In still other embodiments the power outlet assembly includes at leasttwo safety interlocks.

In yet other embodiments the power outlet assembly includes a currentlimiting safety interlock adapted to prevent the flow of current above aspecified amperage from the power source to the power outlet.

In still yet other embodiments the power outlet assembly includes atransformer in electrical connection with the power source and adaptedto convert the incoming electrical current from AC to DC.

In still yet other embodiments the power outlet assembly includes atransmitter in signal communication with the at least one safetyinterlock for communicating the status of the power outlet assembly to auser. In some such embodiments the transmitter is configured toautomatically transmit upon activation of any one of the at least onesafety interlocks.

In still yet other embodiments the power source is in a fixed positionand the power outlet is movable relative to said power source.

In still yet other embodiments the power outlet assembly includes aflexible electrical interconnector in a conductive relation between thepower source and power outlet, said flexible electrical interconnectoradapted to provide continued electrical interconnection between thepower source and power outlet without restricting the range of motion ofthe power outlet relative to the power source.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isadapted such that the bend radius of the flexible electricalinterconnector is maintained above a specified minimum bend radius.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnectorcomprises an electrically conductive wire at least partially enclosedwithin a flexible conduit.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnectorcomprises a flexible chain conduit.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isbent in a single U-shape.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isbent into at least two U-shapes disposed in a parallel stackedconfiguration, the at least two U-shapes being interconnected with apivotable connector.

In still yet other embodiments the wherein the enclosure is movable.

In still some other embodiments the invention is directed to a powerequipped enclosure including:

-   -   an enclosure defining an internal volume, said internal volume        being accessible;    -   at least one power outlet disposed within the internal volume of        the enclosure;    -   at least one power source electrically interconnected to said at        least one power outlet for providing a source of electrical        energy to said power outlet; and    -   at least one safety interlock having at least one sensor        disposed within the enclosure and capable of detecting at least        one hazardous condition within the environment of said        enclosure, the at least one safety interlock being adapted to        prevent the flow of electrical current between the at least one        power source and the at least one power outlet upon detection of        one or more of the at least one hazardous condition.

In some other embodiments the at least one safety interlock is selectedfrom the group consisting of a smoke detector, heat detector, and toxicgas monitor. In some such embodiments the heat detector comprises amechanical thermostat.

In still other embodiments wherein the power outlet assembly comprisesat least two safety interlocks.

In yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure further includes acurrent limiting safety interlock adapted to prevent the flow of currentabove a specified amperage from the power source to the power outlet.

In still yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure furtherincludes comprising a transformer in electrical connection with thepower source and adapted to convert the incoming electrical current fromAC to DC.

In still yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure furtherincludes a transmitter in signal communication with the at least onesafety interlock for communicating the status of the power outletassembly to a user.

In still yet other embodiments the transmitter is configured toautomatically transmit upon activation of any one of the at least onesafety interlocks.

In still yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure furtherincludes at least one movable element, and wherein the power source andpower outlet are arranged such that the movement of the at least onemovable element moves the power outlet relative to the power source.

In still yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure furtherincludes a flexible electrical interconnector in a conductive relationbetween the power source and power outlet, said flexible electricalinterconnector adapted to provide continued electrical interconnectionbetween the power source and power outlet without restricting the rangeof motion of the power outlet relative to the power source.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isadapted such that the bend radius of the flexible electricalinterconnector is maintained above a specified minimum bend radius.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnectorcomprises an electrically conductive wire at least partially enclosedwithin a flexible conduit.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnectorcomprises a flexible chain conduit.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isbent in a single U-shape.

In still yet other embodiments the flexible electrical interconnector isbent into at least two U-shapes disposed in a parallel stackedconfiguration, the at least two U-shapes being interconnected with apivotable connector.

In still yet other embodiments the movable portion is a drawer.

In still yet other embodiments the power outlet is oriented verticallyand is disposed in the side of the drawer.

In still yet other embodiments the power outlet is oriented horizontallyand is disposed in the bottom of the drawer.

In still yet other embodiments the power equipped enclosure is movable.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may belearned by the practice of the invention. A further understanding of thenature and advantages of the present invention may be realized byreference to the remaining portions of the specification and thedrawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description and claims of the current invention will be more fullyunderstood with reference to the following figures, which are presentedas exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed asa complete recitation of the scope of the invention, wherein:

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b provide schematics of power outlet assembly layouts inaccordance with many embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 a provides a schematic of power outlet circuitry incorporating acurrent limiting safety interlock in accordance with many embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 b provides a schematic of power outlet circuitry incorporating ahazard sensor safety interlock in accordance with many embodiments ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 provides a schematic of a heat sensor safety interlock inaccordance with many embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 provides a schematic of a power outlet assembly adapted forinstallation in movable relation to the power source in accordance withmany embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d provide schematics of a power outlet assembly adaptedfor installation in movable relation to the power source in accordancewith other embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 provides a schematic of a power outlet assembly mounted within adrawer enclosure in accordance with many embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 provides a schematic of a power outlet assembly mounted within adrawer enclosure in accordance with other embodiments of the invention;and

FIG. 8 provides a schematic of a power outlet assembly orientedhorizontally in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to the figures and schematics, power outlets adapted forinstallation within an enclosure are provided. In many embodiments,outlets are provided having a safety interlock adapted to prevent thecreation of a hazardous condition within the enclosure as a result ofthe continued operation of an electrical device within the enclosedspace. In some embodiments, the safety interlock may include currentlimiting circuitry and hardware, hazard sensing devices interconnectedwith such current limiting circuitry and hardware or other circuitbreaker switches, and combinations of such safety interlocks. In manyembodiments the power outlet may be adapted for installation within amovable enclosure, such as, for example, a drawer. In some embodiments,the electrical interconnection between the power outlet and the sourceof power is flexible and has a length and geometry that allows for theconsistent travel of the power outlet a specified distance away from thesource of power. In many embodiments the power outlets may be adapted toprovide a current suitable only for low amp requirements, such as, forexample, for the charging of electronic devices. In other embodimentsthe power outlets may be adapted to provide a current suitable forstandard electrical devices, such as, for example, electrical bathroomappliances like hairdryers, curling irons, heated curlers, etc.

It has long been realized that mounting power outlets within enclosurescan create arrangements with a great deal of utility, for example, byproviding interior lighting, temperature control, or simply poweravailability for charging or operating electrical devices within, forexample, an enclosed cabinet, drawer, etc. Accordingly, many attemptshave been made to integrate power outlets within a variety ofenclosures, including, for example, drawers, storage chests andcabinets. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,084,992; PCT Pub. No.WO2007139918; PCT Pub. No. 2007022490, and EP Pub. No. 2142040, thedisclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.)However, in designing these power integrated enclosures, structures andequipment, little thought has thus far been given to mitigating theinherent hazards created by this power equipment, particularly in thecase of general purpose power outlets to which any electrical device orappliance, including unauthorized or non-recommended devices andappliances, may be connected, and which may thus give rise to unexpectedhazards when powered-on or left unattended in a powered-on state withinthe enclosure. In particular, while many of these devices may includesafety systems capable of detecting an electrical fault in the system,such as a ground or arc fault, or some other kind of short-circuit, nonehave considered methods and systems for detecting hazards that may becreated within an enclosure from the proper operation of an electricaldevice/appliance.

This is problematic, as in accordance with regulations in mostcountries, including the United States, individuals may face liabilityfor negligently creating a hazardous situation from an electricalinstallation that results in loss of life or property. To avoid suchliability it is, therefore, important to follow a standard set ofbuilding and electrical code laws, such as those issued, for example, inthe United States in the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is itselfpart of the National Fire Codes published by the National FireProtection Association (NFPA). Electrical devices and appliances alsohave to be designed, manufactured, tested or inspected, and marked inaccordance with requirements of an appropriate listing agency, such as,for example the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), MET Laboratories, Inc.(MET), Intertek Group (ETL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), andFM Approvals (FM), among others. The absence of such approval means thatgeneral purpose power outlets for use and installation in enclosures,though promising for many applications, are not available for widespreaduse.

Accordingly, in many embodiments, power outlet assemblies are providedthat include one or more safety interlocks adapted to prevent thecreation of a hazard by the operation of electrical devices andappliances while interconnected with the power outlet within anenclosure. FIG. 1 a provides a generalized schematic diagram showing theoperational layout of power outlets in accordance with many embodiments.As shown, the power outlet assembly (2) generally comprises one or moresafety interlocks (4, 4′ and 4″) in electrical interconnection between apower outlet (6) and the associated power source (8). As installed, atleast the power outlet is installed within the subject enclosure, aswell as those safety interlocks necessary to be included within thesubject enclosure to detect a hazardous condition generated by theoperation of the power outlet. Regardless of the number or type ofsafety interlocks included with the power outlet assembly, each could bearranged such that the triggering or activation of a single safetyinterlock would terminate current from the power source to the poweroutlet. Note, although three safety interlocks are shown in FIG. 1 a, itwill be understood that any number and arrangement of safety interlocksmay be incorporated into the device such that one or more possiblehazardous conditions associated with the use or misuse of the poweroutlet assembly may be prevented.

FIG. 1 b provides alternative embodiments of power outlet assemblies(10) that incorporate a power outlet (12) that is movable relative tothe power source (14). As shown, in such embodiments the assemblies alsoincorporate a flexible electrical interconnector (16) disposed betweenthe incoming power source and the power outlet such that the poweroutlet may be moved in relation to the incoming power source withoutcreating a disconnected between the power source and power outlet. Notealthough the flexible electrical interconnector (16) is shown as beingdisposed between the power source (14) and the one or more safetyinterlocks (18, 18′ and 18″) it will be understood that the flexibleelectrical interconnector may be disposed anywhere between the incomingpower source and the power outlet such that the power outlet may bemoved in relation to the incoming power source without creating adisconnected between the power source and power outlet.

While the above schematics describe a single power outlet, it will beunderstood that at any enclosure may incorporate any number of poweroutlets and/or power sources interconnected with any number ofelectrical interconnections and safety interlocks. Finally, while theabove schematics show some generalized features of embodiments of poweroutlet assemblies, it will be understood that additional electrical andmechanical features and devices may be incorporated into the poweroutlet assemblies. For example, in embodiments the assembly may includea ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) such that the assembly may beused in wet locations, as defined in the NEC code, or it mayincorporated an arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) to prevent arcsfrom hot to neutral that can develop when insulation between wiresbecomes frayed or damaged. Likewise, the power outlet assembly mayinclude dimmer circuits, illuminated outlet covers, wireless or wireremote control, transmitters, timer circuits, etc.

DEFINITIONS

Before proceeding to specific examples of possible power outletassemblies, some general definitions are provided concerning the subjectcomponents.

A power source, for the purposes of embodiments, refers to any type ofconduit, housing, wiring or hardware that brings any general-purposealternating-current (AC) electric power source, such as, for example,household power, household electricity, house current, powerline,domestic power, wall power, line power, AC power, city power, streetpower, and grid power, into an enclosure. It will be understood that anyvoltages and frequencies may be used with the power outlet assemblyembodiments dependent on the distribution regulations and rules setforth for a particular locale. For example, in one exemplary embodimentthe power outlet power source would include a circuit capable ofsupplying a 120V/10 A maximum current, or alternatively 220V or 440Vdependent on the requirements of any suitable electric power standard,such as, for example any of those published by the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the IEC Technical Report 60083, thesubstance of which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, thepower source may include suitable rectifying circuits for converting orrectifying the AC power from the external source of power into DC powerwith a standard AC to DC converter that is commonly used to power manydevices. Any suitable DC current may be thus provided depending on thepower requirements of the device to be powered by the power outlet.

A safety interlock, for the purposes of embodiments, refers to anydevice, circuit or sensor capable of detecting an unsafe condition orhazard generated by the operation of the enclosed power outlet.Embodiments of such safety interlocks may include mechanical orelectromechanical devices adapted to prevent the flow of current throughthe power outlet, and thus into the electrical device or appliance whenthe operation of the electrical device or appliance is creating a hazarddespite the fact that both the electrical circuit and the electricaldevice are operating within tolerances. Embodiments of such safetyinterlocks may include current limiting devices, such as circuitbreakers and/or fuses adapted to detect short circuits between the liveand neutral wires, or the drawing of more current than the power outletsis rated to handle to prevent overheating and fire. In still otherembodiments such safety interlocks may include sensors adapted fordetecting a hazardous condition in the environment of the enclosure(such as overheating, smoke, poisonous gas, etc.). Such sensors mayincorporate integrated circuit interrupters, or may be interconnected toa circuit interrupter such as a circuit breaker or fuse such that upondetection of a hazardous condition current from the power source to thepower outlet could be terminated. Finally, such safety interlocks mayinclude position sensors or switches for activating the safetyinterlocks only when the enclosure within which the power outlet hasbeen installed is in a configuration (such as a closed condition) inwhich the device interconnected to the power outlet would be concealedwithin the enclosure. The system may also include any combination ofsuch safety interlocks.

A power outlet, for the purposes of embodiments, refers to anyelectrical socket for domestic, commercial and light industrial purposesgenerally provide any number or arrangement of electrical connections tothe supply conductors. For example, the power outlet may include two pinsockets (providing, for example, neutral and line connections), threepin sockets (that provide, in addition, a protective earth connection),some sockets may have two line connections (such as a split phase systemhaving 240 V between line connections each at 120 V with respect toearth ground), or a three-phase system (having, for example, 208 Vbetween contacts and only 120V between each contact and earth ground).This power outlet could also be delivered in any combination of suchreceptacles, such as, for example, split between one or more standardtwo or three prong connections, or standard connections and specializedconnectors including, USB, thunderbolt, firewire, etc. In addition,although the above discussion and figures show standard in-wall poweroutlets, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention arealso directed to alternative power outlet designs including power stripsand the like.

An electrical interconnector, for the purposes of embodiments, may meanany wire or cable having an appropriate current rating. It should beunderstood that no restrictions are placed on the exact construction ordesign of the electrical interconnectors used or how they areconfigured. For example, wire used as an electrical interconnector maybe unprotected, or be installed within appropriate conduit or ducting toprotect the wire from sharp metal edges of cut conduits or cabinetholes. In addition, such electrical interconnectors are not restrictedsolely to wired devices, methods and devices for the wirelesstransmission of electrical power and signals may also be incorporatedwithin many embodiments.

A movable power outlet, for the purposes of embodiments, may mean apower outlet that is movable relative to the incoming power source forthe enclosure. For embodiments where a movable power outlet isincorporated into the enclosure, the electrical interconnector mayinclude at least one flexible or extendable portion that is adapted toprovide a certain distance of travel between the movable power outletand the power source and prevent wearing, tangling or other potentialhazards to arise in the electrical interconnector, as will be describedin greater detail below.

An enclosure, for the purposes of embodiments, may be any structure thatdefines an internal volume into which the power outlet and anyelectrical device or appliance interconnected therewith are at leastpartially enclosed or contained. The enclosure should have at least oneopening into the internal volume such that the power outlet may beaccessed, such opening may be fixed or may be sealable, such as by adoor, drawer, hatch, etc. The enclosure may be fixed, such as apermanently attached cabinet, or may be movable, such as a movable toolchest or other piece of movable furniture, or the enclosure may be fixedor movable and incorporate movable elements into which the power outletis installed, such as a drawer within a fixed or movable cabinet.

Although not described in the sections above, additional circuits andhardware could be provided to allow for additional functionalityincluding, for example, other power and data connections, as well asinterrupts or switches that would turn on or off the circuit based onthe relative position of the outlet box to the junction box. Inaddition, other circuits might be incorporated for the measurement andreporting of power consumption for each receptacle, and either standardor user input thresholds or standards that can be compared against sothat a user could be alerted to abnormal or undesirable powersituations. In another example, the circuitry might include timingcircuitry or light-sensing circuitry that could be used to independentlycontrol the power circuitry at the user's direction. It will beunderstood that these elements are not intended to be limiting, andextensions thereof, as well as other structures and devices capable ofincorporation embodiments of power outlet assemblies, will be describedbelow in association with the following exemplary embodiments.

Exemplary Embodiment

The person skilled in the art will recognize that additional embodimentsaccording to the invention are contemplated as being within the scope ofthe foregoing generic disclosure, and no disclaimer is in any wayintended by the following, non-limiting examples.

Power Outlet Assemblies for Enclosure Installation

As described above, one possible hazard that can arise whenincorporating a general purpose power outlet into an enclosure, such asa cabinet is that a user may interconnect an electrical device orappliance that generates heat (such as a hair dryer, curler, etc. in abathroom cabinet or drawer) and leave that device in operation, andunattended, within the enclosure thus creating a potential fire hazard.Accordingly, many embodiments of power outlet assemblies are configuredwith safety interlocks adapted to prevent electrical devices andappliances from creating a hazardous condition within an enclosure.

Current Limiting Safety Interlocks

In many embodiments such a safety interlock might include a currentlimiting device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker that would restrictthe total current capable of passing through the power outlet assemblyto a level suitable only for low amperage electrical device orappliances, such as for the charging of personal electronics,rechargeable batteries, flashlights, etc. In such embodiments, the poweroutlet assembly is adapted such that a hazard within the enclosure isincapable of being created.

FIG. 2 a provides a schematic wiring diagram in accordance withembodiments of such a current limiting power outlet assembly (20). Asshown, in some such configurations a current limiting safety interlock(22), such as, for example, a circuit breaker and reset or a fuse, maybe interconnected on the hot wire between the power source (24) andpower outlet (26) to provide only sufficient power for low voltage andlow current recharge of electronic devices. As shown, this safetyinterlock would be in addition to any standard ground (28). In suchembodiments the circuit could be protected, for example, by a 3 Acircuit breaker so that the whole circuit would be limited to 3 A orless, although any suitable current limiting circuit and current levelcould be implemented. In addition, as many low current applicationsrequire DC no AC power, the circuit could also include a suitablerectifier or transformer capable of conditioning the electrical outputto suit the specific purpose.

As described above, such a current limiting safety interlock poweroutlet assembly may include any other suitable or desired circuitry orhardware for additional safety or functionality. In particular, thepower outlet assembly may optionally include a transmitter (29) forcommunicating information about the power outlet usage, as well as theactivation of the safety interlock to a user. Such a transmitter may bewireless or wired, and use any message and transmission format desired.

Hazard Sensing Safety Interlocks

Although current limiting the power outlet assembly, as proposed in theembodiments above, is one method of preventing the creation of ahazardous condition within the enclosure, in many embodiments it isnecessary and desirable to maintain the power outlet as a generalpurpose outlet capable of operating a wide variety of electrical devicesand appliances, including electrical devices and appliances that requirehigh current (e.g., 15 A and above), including many common kitchen andbathroom appliances, such as, for example, hair dryers, hair curlers,electric toothbrushes, blenders, mixers, etc. Accordingly, in manyembodiments power outlet assemblies are provided that incorporate ahazard sensor safety interlock, such that upon detection of a hazardouscondition the power from the power source would be interrupted.

FIG. 2 b provides a schematic wiring diagram in accordance withembodiments of such a hazard sensing power outlet assembly (30). Asshown, in some such configurations a hazard sensing safety interlock(32) is placed in signal communication with a circuit interrupter (34),such as, for example, a circuit breaker, reset or a fuse, itselfinterconnected on the hot wire between the power source (36) and poweroutlet (38) such that on detection of a hazardous condition within theenvironment of the enclosure the circuit interrupter would be triggeredthus preventing further power from flowing into the outlet. Although theschematic shows the safety interlock and circuit interrupter as separatedevices, in embodiments the two could be combined into a single device.As above, this safety interlock would be in addition to any standardground (40), or other standard circuit protective hardware or software.

Turning to the hazard sensing safety interlocks, while there are anumber of well-known systems available for detecting and preventing adangerous electrical condition, such as from a ground or arc fault, fromoccurring within an electrical circuit, these systems only addressissues that arise from an electrical fault, either in the wiring of theoutlet or in the operation of the electrical device/appliance attachedthereto. However, as discussed above, where an outlet is to be installedwithin an enclosure, additional hazards can arise even where bothelectrical circuit and electrical device/appliance are operatingsatisfactorily. Accordingly, in embodiments a hazard sensor safetyinterlock is to be understood to refer to a sensor adapted to detect apotential hazardous condition created by the operation of an electricalappliance or device within the enclosure, such as overheating or fire,by monitoring the environment of the enclosure. In some exemplaryembodiments the hazard sensor is one of either a smoke, toxic gas (CO,CO₂, e.g.) and/or heat sensor. In one exemplary embodiment the heatsensor is comprised of a resettable mechanical thermostat that activateswhen a specific threshold temperature is reached. A diagram of anexemplary embodiment of a suitable thermostatic heat sensor is shownschematically in FIG. 3. In this embodiment a thermostatic sensor (33)formed of a temperature sensitive bimetal is disposed within the hazardsensor. Such bimetal elements deform once a threshold temperature isreached. As shown, in many embodiments the bimetal element (33) would bedisposed in relation to a circuit interrupter (34) (FIG. 3, view A) suchthat when the threshold temperature is reached the bimetal element wouldtrigger the circuit interrupter (FIG. 3, view B) thereby removingelectrical current from the power outlet.

Such a hazard sensing safety interlock power outlet assembly mayadditionally include any other suitable or desired circuitry or hardwarefor additional safety or functionality. In particular, the power outletassembly may optionally include a transmitter (42) for communicatinginformation about the power outlet usage, as well as the activation ofthe safety interlock to a user. Such a transmitter may be wireless orwired, and use any message and transmission format desired.

Although not shown, in some configurations the one or more hazardsensing safety interlocks could be combined with a current limitingsafety interlock, such as, for example, the one described in relation toFIG. 2 a, along with a rectifier or transformer capable of conditioningthe electrical output to suit the specific purpose.

Movable Power Outlet Assemblies

Although the above discussion has focused on power outlet assemblieswithout reference to whether the assembly is adapted for installation ineither fixed or movable enclosures, in many embodiments the power outletassemblies are specifically adapted for installation in an enclosurewhere the power outlet of the power outlet assembly is movable relativeto the power source for the enclosure. In such embodiments, flexible andextendable electrical interconnectors are provided such that hazardsassociated with repeated motion of the power outlet relative to thepower source, and extension and contraction of the flexible andextendable electrical interconnectors, particularly within the confinedspace of the enclosure, namely pinching, cutting, binding, minimal bendradius, tangling, etc. are prevented. Such hazards can cause chaffing,wear and ultimate failure of the flexible electrical connector, in turngiving rise to a short circuit, thus creating a potential fire hazard.

In accordance with embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, movable poweroutlets (44) comprise generally a fixed power source (46) where thepower from outside an enclosure enters the enclosure, a movable outletbox (48), and a flexible wire conduit interconnected therebetween (50).The fixed junction box (46) and the power outlet (48) may take the formof any suitable/desired power input and output as long as the positionof the power source relative to the enclosure is static, i.e., fixedrelative to the enclosure; and the position of the power outlet (48)itself is dynamic, i.e., movable relative to the placement of the powersource. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the power outlet may includeany suitable power socket (52), such as, for example, two and threeprong power sockets, electronic connectors (such as USB, firewire,thunderbolt, etc.), internet connector, and combinations thereof. Asdescribed above, the power outlet may also include a safety interlock,such as, for example, a resettable safety interlock (54), which may be acurrent limiting safety interlock or a hazard sensing safety interlock,or a combination thereof, for example.

Turning to the flexible electrical interconnector, it should beunderstood that any structure adapted to provide an extendable andcontractable electrical interconnection between the fixed power sourceand the movable power outlet may be used as long as the flexibleelectrical interconnector is able to extend/contract and provide anelectrical interconnection between the power source and power outletacross the entire travel length of the movable power outlet. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the flexible/extendable electricalinterconnection (50) comprises an electrically conductive wire disposedwithin a flexible conduit, the conduit being adapted to at leastpartially enclose and restrict the motion of the electrically conductivewire to prevent tangling and pinching of the conductive wire.Additionally and alternatively, the flexible conduit may be adapted toensure that the wire is not bent beyond a specified minimum bend radius(R) at which the wire may undergo damage from overbending or pinching.Such a minimum bend radius is dependent on the gauge and type ofconductive wire being used, and may be determined by reference tomanufacturer specifications. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, theflexible conduit is a flexible cable chain, but it will be understoodthat other structures may be utilized including spring-loaded cablereels, or other functionally similar structures.

Although the above embodiment depicts a flexible electricalinterconnector having an embodiment of a flexible cable chain conduit,it should be understood that alternative embodiments of such conduits ofvarying shapes, sizes and configurations may be incorporated into thepower outlet assemblies. For example, in embodiments incorporating aflexible cable chain conduit, to ensure that the flexible cable chainconduit of the flexible electrical interconnector does not tangle, andyet provides sufficient travel to the drawer both for expansion andcontraction, it is necessary to provide a certain lateral distance intowhich the flexible electrical interconnector can fold (as shown by thearrow ‘D’ in FIG. 4), and this distance must be long enough to hold theentire length of the conduit. If you want more travel, the conduit hasto stick out more and requires a larger portion of the enclosure bedesignated as storage space for the electrical interconnection, which isnot optimal. In the case of the cable chain conduit shown in FIG. 4, inwhich the conduit makes a single turn, this means that the length of thefold ‘D’ must be at least half that of the total travel length ‘L’ ofthe moving portion of the enclosure, such as, a drawer.

The requirement of the physical distance ‘D’ required by the flexibleelectrical interconnector puts a constraint on either the travel of themovable portion of the enclosure, or the size of the enclosure requiredto contain the flexible electrical interconnection. Accordingly, in manyembodiments configurations of flexible electrical interconnectors (50)having more compact designs are provided. In one such embodiment,provided in FIGS. 5 a to 5 d, an electrical interconnection (50) isprovided, which, rather than having a flexible conduit that simplyextends out in a single U shape, has a conduit that is folded into twoor more “U-bends” (50′ & 50″) that are interconnected by one or morepivotable brackets (59) that allow the multiple U-bends to extend intoan elongated configuration when the enclosure is extended, and contractinto a parallel stacked configuration when the enclosure is contracted.Alternatively, the flexible conduit might be formed into an “S” turn, orother configuration, so long as the flexible conduit may be containedwithin the space allowed by the enclosure, and such that the conduit isnot bent below the minimum bend radius.

Regardless of the specific design of the flexible electricalinterconnector, in many embodiments the interconnector should providesufficient movement between the power source and outlets such that theinterconnector is able to maintain the electrical interconnectionbetween the source and outlet without restraining the motion of therelevant movable portion of the enclosure. In addition, the flexibleelectrical interconnector should, in many embodiments, restrain theuncontrolled motion of the interconnector to prevent tangling, and alsoprevent overbending of the interconnection (i.e., by bending the wiremore sharply than designated by a minimum bend radius) to ensure thatthe interconnection is not pinched and damaged.

Finally, strain reliefs (56 & 58) may also be incorporated into one orboth of the junction box and outlet box where the flexible wire conduitattaches thereto to prevent cutting and chaffing of the wire and wireconduit during movement.

Incorporation of Outlet Assembly Into Movable Enclosure

In many embodiments, the power outlet assembly is incorporated into amovable portion of an enclosure (60). An exemplary embodiment of amovable outlet (62) integrated into an enclosed drawer (64) is shownschematically in FIG. 6. In such an embodiment, the power outletassembly includes a power source (66) that would be attached to one ofthe fixed portions (68) of the drawer unit (60). The power outlet (62)would then be incorporated into a portion of the movable portion of theenclosures (in this example a slidable drawer (64) of the enclosure). Inmany embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the outlet box (62) would bepositioned at the rear of the enclosure, such that it would only beaccessible when the movable portion of the enclosure is in an extendedor open position, although other arrangements can also be contemplated,as will be described in greater detail below. The flexible/extendableelectrical interconnection (70) is then interconnected between the fixedpower source and the movable power outlet, and provided with sufficientflexibility and travel such that the electrical interconnection ismaintained between the source and outlet across the entire length of themovable enclosure's motion. As discussed above, this flexible/extendableelectrical interconnection may include a flexible wire conduit, such as,for example, a flexible chain conduit, or functional equivalent, asshown in FIG. 4 or 5. An embodiment of an enclosure (72) incorporating astacked chain conduit (74) such that an outlet (76) is disposed at therear of a drawer (78) of the enclosure is shown in FIG. 7.

The embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 provide examples of power outletassemblies installed in the rear of drawer enclosures, however, it willbe understood that other configurations may be formed within the limitsof the disclosure. For example, in many embodiments the power outletsare adapted to be installed on the sides of a drawer enclosure. In suchan embodiment the power outlet, would be installed in the side of thedrawer, the power supply would be installed either in the side or rearof the enclosure, and then the flexible electrical interconnector wouldpass within the space along at least the side of the drawer.

Although the embodiments provided in FIGS. 6 and 7 provide an electricalpower outlet adapted for installation in an enclosure such that theoutlet has a vertical orientation, it should be understood that otheradaptations and orientations might be provided. FIG. 8 provides aschematic of a power outlet assembly (80) adapted such that the poweroutlet (82) has a horizontal orientation. Although not shown, such anembodiment could be installed in the base or bottom of the movable partof an enclosure, such as in the bottom of a drawer. As shown, in such anembodiment, the power source (84) and the flexible electricalinterconnection (86) may be disposed such that the flexible electricalinterconnection passes near the bottom of the power outlet. Using such aconfiguration, the flexible electrical interconnection could be arrangedsuch that the flexible electrical interconnection passes under thebottom of the enclosure, such as underneath the bottom of a drawer. Insuch an embodiment, the flexible electrical interconnection might beformed into a U-bend, a stacked U-bend, or as shown, an S-bend.Regardless of the specific configuration the flexible electricalinterconnection should be compact enough to fit within the allowablespace, but with no overbending, that is that does not bend at an anglebelow a minimum bending radius.

Finally, although a single type of movable enclosure, incorporating adrawer is provided in FIG. 5, it should be understood that this is onlyprovided as an example. Other movable structures may be provided and thepower outlet assemblies incorporated therein, including, for example,hinged cabinets and doors, furniture, benches and worktops, vanities,etc.

Doctrine of Equivalents

While the above description contains many specific embodiments of theinvention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope ofthe invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by theembodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power outlet assembly for an enclosurecomprising: at least one power outlet electrically interconnectable withat least one electrical device; at least one junction box electricallyinterconnected to said at least one power outlet for providing a sourceof electrical energy to said power outlet, wherein the power outlet ismovable within a defined range relative to said junction box along apredefined path at least between a first position where the power outletis distal to the junction box and a second position where the poweroutlet is proximal to the junction box; a flexible electricalinterconnector in a conductive relation between the junction box andpower outlet, said flexible electrical interconnector adapted to providea continuous electrical interconnection between the junction box andpower outlet without restricting the range of motion of the power outletrelative to the junction box within said defined range such thatcontinuous power is supplied from the junction box to the power outletindependent of the relative positions of the junction box and poweroutlet; at least one safety interlock having at least one sensor capableof detecting at least one hazardous condition within the environment ofsaid enclosure, the at least one safety interlock being adapted tointerrupt the flow of electrical current between the at least one powersource and the at least one power outlet upon detection of one or moreof the at least one hazardous conditions; at least one safety interlockswitch configured to activate the operation of the at least one safetyinterlock when the power outlet is in the second position and deactivatethe at least one safety interlock when the power outlet is in the firstposition; and wherein the at least one power outlet is accessible to theat least one electrical device along the entire defined range of thepredefined path.
 2. The power outlet assembly of claim 1 wherein the atleast one sensor is selected from the group consisting of a smokedetector, heat detector, and toxic gas monitor.
 3. The power outletassembly of claim 2, wherein the heat detector comprises a thermostat.4. The power outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the power outletassembly comprises at least two safety interlocks.
 5. The power outletassembly of claim 1, further comprising a current limiting safetyinterlock adapted to prevent the flow of current above a specifiedamperage from the power source to the power outlet.
 6. The power outletassembly of claim 1, further comprising a rectifier in electricalconnection with the power source and adapted to convert the incomingelectrical current from AC to DC.
 7. The power outlet assembly of claim1, further comprising a transmitter in signal communication with the atleast one safety interlock for communicating the status of the poweroutlet assembly to a user.
 8. The power outlet assembly of claim 7,wherein the transmitter is configured to automatically transmit uponactivation of any one of the at least one safety interlocks.
 9. Thepower outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the junction box is in a fixedposition and the power outlet is movable relative to said power source.10. The power outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexibleelectrical interconnector is at least partially disposed within aflexible conduit adapted to confine the flexible connector within aseparate predefined connector path and configured such that the bendradius of the flexible electrical interconnector is prevented from beingbent below a specified minimum bend radius.
 11. The power outletassembly of claim 10, wherein the flexible electrical interconnector isfully enclosed within the flexible conduit.
 12. The power outletassembly of claim 10, wherein the flexible conduit comprises a flexiblechain conduit comprised of a plurality of movable links thatcollectively define an internal channel within which the flexibleelectrical interconnector is disposed, the links being adapted toconfine the flexible connector within a separate predefined connectorpath and configured to prevent the flexible interconnector from beingbent below a minimum bend radius.
 13. The power outlet assembly of claim12, wherein the flexible electrical interconnector and flexible chainconduit are configured such that when the power outlet is proximal tothe junction box along the predefined path, the flexible electricalinterconnector and the chain conduit are bent into a configurationselected from the group consisting of: a single U-shape having a firstend interconnected with the junction box and a second end interconnectedwith the power outlet and having a bend radius at least equal to thespecified minimum bend radius, and wherein the U-shape has a foldedlength approximately half the length of the defined range of motion ofthe power outlet; at least two U-shapes disposed relative to each otherin a parallel stacked configuration, wherein a first end of a first ofthe at least two U-shapes is interconnected with the junction box, asecond end of a second of the at least two U-shapes is interconnectedwith the power outlet, and a second end of the first of the at least twoU-shapes and a first end of the second of the at least two U-shapes areinterconnected with a pivotable connector configured to maintain thedistance between the armatures of the U-shapes such that the flexibleelectrical interconnector has a bend radius at least equal to thespecified minimum bend radius, and wherein the at least two U-shapeshave, in combination, a folded length approximately half the length ofthe defined range of motion of the power outlet; and an S-shape, havinga first end interconnected with the junction box and a second endinterconnected with the power outlet, and forming at least two bendseach having a bend radius that is at least equal to the specifiedminimum bend radius.
 14. A power equipped enclosure comprising: anenclosure defining an internal volume, said internal volume beingaccessible; at least one power outlet disposed within the internalvolume of the enclosure outlet, the at least one power outlet beingelectrically interconnectable with at least one electrical device; atleast one junction box electrically interconnected to said at least onepower outlet for providing a source of electrical energy to said poweroutlet, wherein the power outlet is movable within a defined rangerelative to said junction box along a predefined path at least between afirst position where the power outlet is distal to the junction box anda second position where the power outlet is proximal to the junctionbox; a flexible electrical interconnector in a conductive relationbetween the junction box and power outlet, said flexible electricalinterconnector adapted to provide a continuous electricalinterconnection between the junction box and power outlet withoutrestricting the range of motion of the power outlet relative to thejunction box within said defined range such that continuous power issupplied from the junction box to the power outlet independent of therelative positions of the junction box and power outlet; at least onesafety interlock having at least one sensor disposed within theenclosure and capable of detecting at least one hazardous conditionwithin the environment of said enclosure, the at least one safetyinterlock being adapted to interrupt the flow of electrical currentbetween the at least one power source and the at least one power outletupon detection of one or more of the at least one hazardous condition;at least one safety interlock switch configured to activate theoperation of the at least one safety interlock when the power outlet isin the second position and deactivate the at least one safety interlockwhen the power outlet is in the first position; and wherein the at leastone power outlet is accessible to the at least one electrical devicealong the entire defined range of the predefined path.
 15. The powerequipped enclosure of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensor isselected from the group consisting of a smoke detector, heat detector,and toxic gas monitor.
 16. The power equipped enclosure of claim 15,wherein the heat detector comprises a thermostat.
 17. The power equippedenclosure of claim 14, wherein the power outlet assembly comprises atleast two safety interlocks.
 18. The power equipped enclosure of claim14, further comprising a current limiting safety interlock adapted toprevent the flow of current above a specified amperage from the junctionbox to the power outlet.
 19. The power equipped enclosure of claim 14,further comprising a rectifier in electrical connection with the powersource and adapted to convert the incoming electrical current from AC toDC.
 20. The power equipped enclosure of claim 14, further comprising atransmitter in signal communication with the at least one safetyinterlock for communicating the status of the power outlet assembly to auser.
 21. The power equipped enclosure of claim 20, wherein thetransmitter is configured to automatically transmit upon activation ofany one of the at least one safety interlocks.
 22. The power equippedenclosure of claim 14, wherein the enclosure includes at least onemovable element, and wherein the junction box and power outlet arearranged such that the movement of the at least one movable elementmoves the power outlet relative to the junction box.
 23. The powerequipped enclosure of claim 22, wherein the movable element is a drawer.24. The power equipped enclosure of claim 22, wherein the power outlethas an orientation selected from one of either disposed vertically inthe side of the drawer, or disposed horizontally in the bottom of thedrawer.
 25. The power equipped enclosure of claim 14, wherein theflexible electrical interconnector is at least partially disposed withina flexible conduit adapted to confine the flexible connector within aseparate predefined connector path and configured such that the bendradius of the flexible electrical interconnector is prevented from beingbent below a specified minimum bend radius.
 26. The power equippedenclosure of claim 25, wherein the flexible electrical interconnector isfully enclosed within the flexible conduit.
 27. The power equippedenclosure of claim 25, wherein the flexible conduit comprises a flexiblechain conduit comprised of a plurality of movable links thatcollectively define an internal channel within which the flexibleelectrical interconnector is disposed, the links being adapted toconfine the flexible connector within along a separate predefinedconnector path and configured to prevent the flexible interconnectorfrom being bent below a minimum bend radius.
 28. The power equippedenclosure of claim 27, wherein the flexible electrical interconnectorand flexible chain conduit are configured such that when the poweroutlet is proximal to the junction box along the predefined path, theflexible electrical interconnector and the chain conduit are bent into aconfiguration selected from the group consisting of: a single U-shapehaving a first end interconnected with the junction box and a second endinterconnected with the power outlet and having a bend radius at leastequal to the specified minimum bend radius, and wherein the U-shape hasa folded length approximately half the length of the defined range ofmotion of the power outlet; at least two U-shapes disposed relative toeach other in a parallel stacked configuration, wherein a first end of afirst of the at least two U-shapes is interconnected with the junctionbox, a second end of a second of the at least two U-shapes isinterconnected with the power outlet, and a second end of the first ofthe at least two U-shapes and a first end of the second of the at leasttwo U-shapes are interconnected with a pivotable connector configured tomaintain the distance between the armatures of the U-shapes such thatthe flexible electrical interconnector has a bend radius at least equalto the specified minimum bend radius, and wherein the at least twoU-shapes have, in combination, a folded length approximately half thelength of the defined range of motion of the power outlet; and anS-shape, having a first end interconnected with the junction box and asecond end interconnected with the power outlet, and forming at leasttwo bends each having a bend radius that is at least equal to thespecified minimum bend radius.